"In theory, practice and common sense terms... most routes out of poverty start with enterprise.."

 "There are many positive ways for business to make a difference in the lives of the poor – not through philanthropy, though that is also very important, but through initiatives that, over time, will help to build new markets."

"Business cannot succeed in a society that fails."

"Business is good for development and development is good for business."

"New ways of doing business will soon be improving the lives of the poor in areas such as housing, nutrition, sanitation, water delivery, healthcare, and small business development. We intend to be part of that new business."

"Typical donations and acts of philanthropy address a problem on a medium term basis, and there is no real sustainability. We look at needs and at ways to address those needs in a manner that will prove sustainable."

"Poverty is unnecessary. People are capable of getting themselves out of poverty. All they need is opportunities. They are not waiting for charity or handouts. Charity is good, but it is not good enough. If you turn it into a business proposition, then it’s very powerful, because it can run on its own steam."

"What companies like ours are learning today is that cutting-edge innovation can result from weaving social and economic considerations into a business strategy from the start."

"The investment climate is central to growth and poverty reduction. A good investment climate benefits society as a whole, not just firms. And it embraces all firms, not just large firms.."

"The commission acknowledges that the constraints on developing a sustainable private sector are widely known . and generally accepted. Now the focus must shift from determining what the constraints are to how they are to be lifted and who is to lift them.."

"I believe that companies, doing business in a responsible and sustainable way, can help raise the quality of life and standards of living in some of the poorest parts of the world.."

"Poverty is the deprivation of opportunity.."

"NGOs are now turning to market forces as a catalyst for change.."

"Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.."

"A good heart and a good mind will always make a formidable combination"

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work"

"Focus, clarity of business, ranking of opportunities present, team commitment… everyone (and budget) [now] focused on core initiatives"

Head of Credit, Bank Co, Ghana on the edge Growth Accelerator."It seems almost like cutting out twelve months which could have been lost… without such a structured approach to planning the strategy"

"Developing country SMEs are often unable to compete for large firm contracts due to lack of market information, management skills, or technology, leaving them unable to meet safety or quality requirements, to change their product or service mix, or to scale up quickly according to demand"

"For the first time in history, humanity possesses the knowledge and skill to relieve the suffering of [developing nation] people"

The Shell Foundation Report (2005)"The growth of enterprise offers poor people the hope that there’s an economic ladder to personal betterment they can climb by dint of honest effort"

Microenterprise Best Practice Project"The skilled practitioner learns basic principles and then develops practices best suited to each situation"